Educational & Training Resources

Knowledge is the key to operating a successful business of any size. There are a variety of community resources that offer entrepreneurial training, workshops, classes, and other types of educational programming. Many organizations will assist with the basics of writing a business plan or cater their advice to a specific type of industry. Below you’ll find a wide variety of educational resources throughout the region.

Central Ohio Minority Business Association – The Central Ohio Minority Business Association, founded in 1978, is celebrating 32 years of exemplary service to minority and small business in the Central Ohio area. Historically, COMBA was established as a private non-profit 501 (c)3 organization and was incorporated in Ohio in 1986. Initially, COMBA services were primarily targeted to the construction industry. Over the years, COMBA recognized the growth of entrepreneurial interests and expanded its services to include comprehensive business assistance to minority, disadvantaged, and women owned businesses enterprises.

Central Ohio Women’s Business Center – The Central Ohio Women’s Business Center is program of the Central Ohio Minority Business Association. The mission of the Central Ohio Women’s Business Center is to ADVOCATE and DEVELOP women-owned businesses. Our mission will be accomplished via training/education; counseling and networking.

Columbus State Community College Delaware Campus – Opening in Autumn 2010, Columbus State’s Delaware Campus represents our commitment to our service area. The campus will offer four great degrees right off the bat. The Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees, which represent the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. We’re also offering standalone two-year degrees in Business and Computer Information Technology. Look for more great programs as the campus grows. We’re also offering a full slate of services, and we plan to offer community programs. With high-quality programs — and tuition costs that are a third of a four-year state school — we’re looking forward to new service to the Delaware Community.

Columbus Metropolitan Library – At Columbus Metropolitan Library, our mission is “to promote reading and guide learning in the pursuit of information, knowledge, and wisdom.” We accomplish this mission through services to the public, including Summer Reading Clubs, English for Speakers of Other Languages classes, free access to extensive databases and much, much more.

ECDI Columbus – The Economic and Community Development Institute offers Microenterprise Loans ranging from $500 to $35,000 to start or expand a small business. ECDI’s lending program is intended to provide financing to borrowers who do not qualify for traditional financing, including low- to moderate-income households and borrowers with insufficient credit history. ECDI also provides access to capital to historically bankable individuals and business who are unable to secure financing in the current economic climate.

EnterpriseWorks – EnterpriseWorks provides education, training and mentoring that prepare challenged populations to achieve self-sufficiency and exercise social responsibility. EnterpriseWorks promotes self-reliance and social responsibility among diverse populations through a continuum of life and work preparedness services and instruction.

Franklin University Center for Professional Training & Development – The Franklin University Center for Professional Training & Development (CPTD) provides certification programs and training opportunities to businesses, government offices, not-for-profit organizations, and career-minded individuals interested in expanding their abilities to succeed in today’s dynamic and competitive environment.

Leadership Columbus – The mission of Leadership Columbus is to develop informed and committed leaders through educational programs (such as the 10-month Signature Program, Board Governance Training and FOCUS Columbus) that empower participants with the skills, knowledge and other tools necessary to resolve the critical challenges and issues of its community.

OSU Fisher College of Business – Since 1916, The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business has produced exceptional leaders who meet the challenges of a changing global business environment through creative and effective solutions. In 1993, the college received a gift from alumnus Max. M. Fisher, a leading industrialist, philanthropist and public servant. Mr. Fisher’s desire to see his alma mater become one of the premier management institutions in the country spearheaded the construction of a state-of-the-art, six-building campus. In recognition of his commitment, the college was named the Max M. Fisher College of Business.

SBDC at CSCC – We are the Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Columbus State Community College, a public – private partnership supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Ohio Department of Development, Columbus State Community College and local partners. Through our programs and services, we provide entrepreneurial development assistance and high-end business consulting to start-up and emerging business owners free of charge.

SCORE – SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small Business” is America’s premier source of free & confidential small business advice for entrepreneurs. SCORE is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization formed in 1964 to help small businesses flourish. SCORE provides a public service to America by offering free small business advice and training.SCORE’s 10,500 volunteers have more than 600 business skills. Volunteers share their wisdom and lessons learned in business. Our volunteers are working/retired business owners, executives and corporate leaders.

The Metropreneur is your online resource for all things related to small business development and entrepreneurialism in Central Ohio.

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